Bison Cow and Calf Playing

Bison calves, like all infants, spend significant time playing. Playing develops strength, coordination and agility as well as bonding and competitiveness as a calf seeks a place in the herd’s hierarchy. This cow and calf were unusual because they played together for about five minutes. I have rarely seen cows play with their calves for more than 30 seconds. The cow stood with her head down, encouraging the calf to push against her. The calf backed up with her tail in the air and made short runs at her mom’s head. The calf danced around thumping into the cow’s large skull but could not move it even an inch.